Blog

Alberta Home Education Association

This will be a critical year in Alberta politics. We will need to be ready to respond as events unfold.

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We need to continue to build
representation within the United Conservative Party (UCP), New Democrat Party
(NDP), and every other political party, so that each party will invite AHEA and
its members to their discussion table. It is the only way to fulfill our
mandate. AHEA exists to represent our interests in government so that we can
enjoy the fruits of that labour and seek to maintain the home education option.

It is critical that we work during this
year to remain engaged in the political process and be as well informed as
possible. Please keep an eye on our Political Updates page on the AHEA website,
the E-Alerts that arrive in your inbox (you can subscribe to receive these at
www.aheaonline.com), as well as the AHEA Facebook page. Here we can provide information on the
educational platforms and statements from all the parties, as we are able. We
will focus on passing on information, even when we all may not agree. As
homeschoolers, I know we value the freedom of expression and the right to form
your own opinion. However, as always, I encourage you to be kind and clear in
your comments so that the focus is on the discussion.

As always, AHEA encourages its members to be politically active and advocate for the rights of parents and home educating in Alberta. May 4-6, the United Conservative Party had its Founding AGM and voted on many new policies. Many policies were submitted by AHEA members and AHEA Board Members. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this way!

Because of your efforts, parental rights in education were solidified as a policy for the UCP!

The exact wording of the passed policy is as following:

"The United Conservative Party is committed to affirming the right of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children."

This is a very significant stance for the UCP party to take and one that is of great value to home educators.

Another policy which passed is very important for home educators R106) "The UCP party is committed to parental choice in education, in both form and content." The 'form and content' component is very significant in AHEA's advocacy work with the UCP party!!